‘We’re the Big Force!’ McInnes Mocks Celtic, Declaring Scotland’s Supremacy Following Brendan Rodgers’ Resignation

days have passed since Hearts’ 3–1 triumph over Celtic at Tynecastle, yet the shockwaves continue to ripple across Scottish football. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has since resigned, citing burnout and frustration, and in the aftermath, one voice has dominated the headlines: Derek McInnes.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with BBC Scotland, the Hearts manager spoke with a mix of steel, satisfaction, and simmering ambition. He did not shy away from addressing the match, the fallout, or the growing belief that his side are now a genuine threat to the Glasgow dominance.

“In Scotland,” McInnes began, his tone firm but measured, “we send any coach on exile who wants to come here thinking they can compete easily. Those days are gone. We are the big force now, and we have earned that.”

‘We Didn’t Fluke That Win’

Hearts’ 3–1 victory was not just a result. It was a performance of conviction. Goals from Lawrence Shankland, Kenneth Vargas, and Beni Baningime tore through Celtic’s defence, leaving Rodgers visibly agitated on the touchline. For McInnes, it was not about luck.

“We didn’t fluke that win,” he said. “It was planned, drilled, and executed. The players believed in the approach, and that’s what separated us. Celtic are still a top side, but belief is the difference between competing and conquering.”

When asked whether he was surprised by Rodgers’ resignation, McInnes hesitated for a moment before replying.

“Look, Brendan’s a top manager. His record speaks for itself. But the pressure at a club like Celtic is enormous. Sometimes the environment eats you alive if things don’t go your way. That’s not criticism, that’s reality.”

The Hearts boss then leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing.

“What I’ll say is this. The rest of Scottish football isn’t here to make up the numbers anymore. We are here to challenge. To win. To change the conversation.”

‘The Big Two Can Be Broken’

It has been decades since anyone outside the Old Firm truly threatened the league title, but under McInnes, Hearts have become a disciplined and fearless unit. Sitting second in the Premiership, just a point behind Rangers, they have lost only once in twelve games.

McInnes insists this is no coincidence. It is a reflection of progress.

“The so-called big two can be broken,” he said. “It’s about belief, structure, and hard work. I’ve managed long enough to know you don’t beat Celtic 3–1 by accident. You do it by demanding more every day from players, from staff, from yourself.”

He laughed when asked if he felt his comments had annoyed some Celtic supporters.

“Aye, probably. But that’s football. If you’re making noise, it means you’re doing something right. Nobody gets annoyed at teams that don’t matter.”

Respect, Rivalry, and Reality

Despite the fiery tone of his recent quotes, McInnes was quick to clarify that he holds huge respect for Celtic and Rodgers personally.

“There’s no bitterness from me,” he said. “Celtic have been the benchmark for years, and you can’t knock what they’ve achieved. But at the same time, we’ve got to stop treating success like it only belongs to Glasgow. Edinburgh is ready to have a say again.”

McInnes’ vision for Hearts stretches beyond just this season. The club has invested heavily in youth, infrastructure, and analytics under owner Ann Budge and sporting director Joe Savage, something McInnes believes will keep them competitive for years to come.

“This isn’t a flash in the pan,” he said. “We’re building properly. The fans have been patient, the players are buying in, and the club’s got a clear direction. We’re not chasing anyone anymore. We’re setting our own standards.”

Celtic at a Crossroads

Meanwhile, Celtic are still reeling from Rodgers’ departure. Former club captain Scott Brown, now managing Fleetwood Town, has emerged as an early contender to replace him, while Enzo Maresca and Kjetil Knutsen are also being considered.

In the meantime, Celtic fans are demanding answers and results. “It’s been a humiliating week,” said one supporter outside Celtic Park. “McInnes is rubbing salt in the wound, but fair play. Hearts deserved it.”

‘We’re Not Done Yet’

As the interview drew to a close, McInnes was asked if he believed Hearts could actually go all the way and lift the title this season. He paused, smiled faintly, and replied:

“You don’t say things like that lightly. But we’re not here for second place. We’ve proven we can beat the best, and we’ll keep proving it. We’re not done yet, far from it.”

Three days on from a night that shook Scottish football, Derek McInnes’ message remains loud and clear. Hearts are not chasing the giants. They are coming for their crown.